Cafe Belay Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Cañon City

Made-for-you craft coffee, classic homemade baked goods, climbing gear and information galore, and the feeling of being in community— that’s what makes me love this place. Cafe Belay is a must stop for me every time I visit Cañon City (or pass by on the way Shelf Road.) On my first visit I tasted the best matcha latte I’ve ever had, and the owner walked me through how he sampled and sourced the finest of green tea powders. He then offered me several samples of his new vegan, gluten-free blueberry muffins and asked for feedback (they were delicious and a glimpse at how accommodating to dietary restrictions Cafe Belay is.) From there, I was given a glut of local climbing knowledge and recommendations from staff and strangers alike, and enjoyed the cafe’s calming, green aesthetic (including a bench made from old bouldering pads.) My experience felt valued, and I could tell great effort was put into the food and drink served to me. Since then, I’ve brought all my friends to Cafe Belay whenever we’re in the area and have yet to have a disappointed guest. I recommend the matcha latte and chia pumpkin bread (though everything I’ve tried to date has...

I've had a rough morning, dogs waiting in the car, after being asked to wait I just walked out after waiting several minutes to be acknowledged any further while two people washed the only carafe I guess they have. I was looking forward to Cafe Belay coffee because it's pretty good and I thought it would lift my spirits but y'all just kinda made a rough morning worse. Don't ignore your customers.

No one asked if I was ready to order, you were too busy talking about John Denver. There were two people who already received their orders and one other who also received his and I was still not acknowledged. You left a customer feeling unimportant and ignored and now you're not taking accountability for it. What's unkind is not treating every person who walks through your door like they matter to you and what might have felt like a minute to you was in reality closer to seven during which either of you could've engaged with a customer you just left...

I had the good fortune to meet Spencer and visit Cafe Belay on the grand opening of the shop. The space is just right, spotlessly clean, and Spencer was friendly and accommodating. I enjoyed an excellent breakfast burrito and some one-of-a-kind homemade chai (in a latte) that was great.

There are several fine coffee shops in Canon City. Cafe Belay is different for two reasons. First, sustainability, in terms of business practices and ethics, is the foundation for what Spencer is doing. These are deeply held values for him, and Cafe Belay is an expression of these values. Second, Cafe Belay sells rock climbing gear, which I haven't seen in other coffee shops. Given that our region has outstanding rock climbing opportunities, this is a natural pairing.

There is a community table, a low game-playing table, and room to sit alone. I'm looking forward to returning more than once and encourage you to...